At least three Nigerian police officers have reportedly been killed after gunmen ambushed a night patrol team in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

The attack occurred at about 2 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the Damba Division, while the officers were carrying out routine patrol duties.

According to a source who spoke to SaharaReporters, the attackers caught the officers by surprise and opened fire on their patrol vehicle, leaving it riddled with bullets.

The source did not provide further details about the identities of the officers or the circumstances leading to the attack.

Police Patrol Vehicle Riddled With Bullets

A photograph associated with reports of the incident showed a patrol vehicle bearing the inscription identifying it as belonging to Damba Division, Zamfara State, and indicating that it was donated by the state government.

The circumstances surrounding the ambush remained unclear as of the time of reporting.

The Zamfara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the attack or providing details about the incident.

Attack Follows Deadly Ambush on Traders

The reported killing comes days after another deadly attack on a convoy of traders travelling under military escort in Zamfara State.

Reports of that earlier incident said 20 people were killed, including four soldiers, three police officers, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and 12 civilians.

The traders were reportedly travelling from Gwashi to Nasarawa Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area when they came under attack.

Zamfara Continues to Face Insecurity

Zamfara has experienced repeated attacks by heavily armed criminal groups involved in killings, kidnappings for ransom and livestock theft.

The latest reported incident has renewed concerns about the safety of security personnel conducting patrols in areas affected by armed violence.

Further details about the latest attack, including any arrests or additional casualties, were not immediately available.